2008 Woodie Awards
'Madness' kicks off Flames basketball seasons
Event entertains fans with food, festivities, exciting scrimmages
Daniel Jerez
Issue date: 10/16/06 Section: Sports
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Media Credit: Jamison NashFollowing the free food, festivities, and introductions of Basketball Madness, the men's and women's basketball teams each played a scrimmage for fans.
The 2006-07 college basketball season officially went underway Friday, as across the country, teams celebrated their first practice of the season with fan-appreciation nights. At UIC, the Flames continued the tradition of Midnight Madness at the Pavilion, with both the men's and women's team putting on a great show.
Renamed 'Basketball Madness,' the event was moved to 8 p.m. this year to allow the UIC fans from outside campus, as well as commuters, the chance to participate in the event. The time shift seemed to work as more students came out to support their teams.
This year kicked off with a barrage of activities included a climbing wall equally enjoyed by students and their younger siblings. The karaoke area proved very entertaining, watching those who can sing and those who should not (you know who you are).
This year, the players were more accessible than in recent years. Besides the tables where fans could get a poster autographed by the entire team, after the signing sessions, it was easy to stop a player or coach and chat with them for a bit.
When asked about their feeling towards the upcoming season, seniors Jackie Parker and Jacquay Holmes both smiled before saying they were very excited about the upcoming season.
This may be a sign that the ladies expect big things this year. Cassie Johnson, Bree Hinkle, and Jessie Miller also voiced their excitement.
Besides the entertainment, food, and festivities, both teams engaged in exciting scrimmages, much to the delight of the fans and their families.
The excitement previously expressed by the women's team was on display, as a close game finished with some late heroics. The Red team jumped out in front to a 13-7 lead, but the White team made a late game surge. With the score tied at 13 with 9 seconds on the clock, the Red team came up with a clutch shot to take the lead. White stormed down the court and was fouled on a three-point attempt with no time left on the clock.
The White team sank all three free throws to ice the game.
Following the women, was the men's scrimmage, which ended in a 24-24 tie. The Blue squad came back from an early 12-2 deficit to tie the game and had a chance to win, but missed a last second, near half court shot by inches.
From the free food to the free raffles, the event, intended to introduce students to the basketball teams, was a great way to start a Friday night.
For those of you who missed Basketball Madness, luckily, Flames basketball, and even more madness, is just around the corner.
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Renamed 'Basketball Madness,' the event was moved to 8 p.m. this year to allow the UIC fans from outside campus, as well as commuters, the chance to participate in the event. The time shift seemed to work as more students came out to support their teams.
This year kicked off with a barrage of activities included a climbing wall equally enjoyed by students and their younger siblings. The karaoke area proved very entertaining, watching those who can sing and those who should not (you know who you are).
This year, the players were more accessible than in recent years. Besides the tables where fans could get a poster autographed by the entire team, after the signing sessions, it was easy to stop a player or coach and chat with them for a bit.
When asked about their feeling towards the upcoming season, seniors Jackie Parker and Jacquay Holmes both smiled before saying they were very excited about the upcoming season.
This may be a sign that the ladies expect big things this year. Cassie Johnson, Bree Hinkle, and Jessie Miller also voiced their excitement.
Besides the entertainment, food, and festivities, both teams engaged in exciting scrimmages, much to the delight of the fans and their families.
The excitement previously expressed by the women's team was on display, as a close game finished with some late heroics. The Red team jumped out in front to a 13-7 lead, but the White team made a late game surge. With the score tied at 13 with 9 seconds on the clock, the Red team came up with a clutch shot to take the lead. White stormed down the court and was fouled on a three-point attempt with no time left on the clock.
The White team sank all three free throws to ice the game.
Following the women, was the men's scrimmage, which ended in a 24-24 tie. The Blue squad came back from an early 12-2 deficit to tie the game and had a chance to win, but missed a last second, near half court shot by inches.
From the free food to the free raffles, the event, intended to introduce students to the basketball teams, was a great way to start a Friday night.
For those of you who missed Basketball Madness, luckily, Flames basketball, and even more madness, is just around the corner.
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